Epilogue #2
“I’m just fuckin’ with ya’. Because from where I see it, you two were destined to be together from the jump.” And Brecken had a ringside seat. “If I ever get tied down, I hope I’m as happy about it as the two of you.” He chuckles.
I can’t help but pat him on the back. “Me too, buddy. Me too.”
All of a sudden, the music begins to play, and my nerves start tap dancing under my skin. Holy shit, this is it.
Ellie enters the space, a sweet redheaded toddler on each hip.
All three of them are wearing matching sage-green dresses.
As they make their way down the aisle, they move to stand at the front, and Matt swoops in for a kiss and to lift one of his daughters into his arms. While Char can tell them apart, they both look identical to me.
A hush falls over the crowd, and I look up just as Char enters.
I freeze. She practically floats down the aisle to me.
It’s all I can do to hold it together. Her long blonde hair is down around her shoulders in waves.
Her dress is a winter white long sleeve lace gown with a full skirt that makes her look regal.
She’s carrying a bouquet of winter-white flowers tied in a champagne-colored ribbon. She’s an absolute vision.
As she reaches my side, I can’t hold back. I take a step toward her, cup her face, and place my mouth over hers. You’d think I hadn’t seen her in months.
“You boys really don’t understand how this process works, do ya?” the battalion chief mutters.
Our guests break into laughter, but all I can see is her. Those dazzling green eyes and the sweet smile I plan to thank God for every day for the rest of my life.
If you asked me to repeat what happened after that, I’d be lost. I don’t recall the vows I spoke or the placement of the rings. Only how thankful I was to be lost in her beauty, knowing she’ll own my heart for eternity.
Once the brief ceremony is over, we close the doors to the tent and settle in for Ellie’s cooking and a night of celebration.
Thankfully, Char isn’t a big fan of pomp and circumstance either.
There’s no way I can keep my distance from her any longer.
Plus, it’s so fucking cold out, we’ve got dogs stuck to fire hydrants all over town.
Good lord. Now she and Norma Jean have me talking like them.
Thinking back, it’s utterly ridiculous that there was a time I’d considered spending my life alone, for fear of ending up like my father.
Harrison and my mother were right. I’m not my DNA.
Well, the XY chromosomes anyway. And I’m so grateful I took a chance, because I cannot imagine how sad my life would’ve been without her.
A little of the déjà vu from the first wedding returns as we dance the night away. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m even more smitten by this enchanting woman.
Harrison walks over and asks if he can dance with Char.
I know I need to share. But I don’t want to. “That’s fine. Just save the last dance for me.” I wink.
“Always,” she promises, causing my heart to leap in my chest.
Hell, man. She’s already married you. Calm down already. I take the opportunity to dance with my mother. She looks radiant.
“You ready for your honeymoon?”
“Um, what kind of question is that?” I chuckle.
“I just meant, since you haven’t wanted to take two steps without making sure I’m under lock and key since I moved here.”
I wince. Hell, she’s right. Yet I didn’t realize it was that obvious. The last thing I want is for my mother to feel like I’m her jailer. But I know depression isn’t something that just goes away like taking antibiotics for an infection. And I never want to let my guard down.
“David. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You just need to let your mom find her own way.”
I hang my head. How do I do that when—
“I’m doing much better. I have the video sessions with my therapist each week and have a future I’m excited about.
Plus, I’d never do anything to hurt you.
In my bleakest moments in New Jersey, it was the one thing that sustained me.
Knowing you’d been through enough. I’m sorry I wasn’t stronger back then. ”
I immediately stop dancing, holding her out at arm’s length to ensure I have her full attention. “Please don’t ever apologize for anything. You fought through it as best you could. And the fact that you’re here with Char and me means more than you’ll ever know.”
She gives me that reassuring maternal smile I’ve come to count on. “I’m thrilled to have a front row seat into the amazing life you two will have together.”
“It’s not too late for you, you know. You could always meet someone. Well, not Earl! But someone.”
She snorts. Actually snorts. “One step at a time. I’m not cut out to live like Betty, but I’m happy with the way my life is right now.
And don’t you worry about her. Especially while you are gone.
She’d never do anything to put me in a situation I was uncomfortable in.
You have nothing to be concerned about.”
“Okay. So long as you two aren’t throwing a rave in my log cabin while I’m gone,” I tease. The mental image of Earl gyrating in his cheetah thong on my coffee table makes my stomach flip.
“You two enjoy St. Augustine. Charlene is so excited to visit all of the places she’s driven by. She lights up whenever she talks about it.”
“Yeah. I was surprised that of all the places we could go, she chose there. But it sounds like it means a lot to her, for some reason.”
Her face takes on a serious expression. “Never stop showing her how important she is to you. No matter what opportunities come your way. She needs to never doubt your love for her.”
I nod, hoping she knows I’d never enter into a marriage if I wasn’t committed to making my wife my priority for the rest of my life.
Our honeymoon is a combination of love, lust, and tourist season.
As much as I’d like to have Char all to myself, watching her come alive walking down the street hand in hand gives me an unexpected thrill.
She revels in the smallest things. Dining in a new restaurant, window shopping, and even the most predictable sightseeing locations seem to fascinate her.
Knowing it’s coming to a close soon is a bit depressing. As much as I want to get home and check on Mom, I’m going to miss this uninterrupted time with her.
Rolling over, I pull her closer before dropping my hand down between her legs. I cannot believe this is my life. “You like that, baby?”
“Um, actually…”
My spine stiffens. “What?”
“Normally, I’d say yes. But I have to admit… I’m sore. At this rate, I won’t be able to sit long enough for the drive back home.”
I grimace. “Sorry. You can’t blame me. I can’t get enough of my wife.”
My wife. Two words never sounded so good.
When Char told me she was ovulating, I may or may not have turned into a he-man.
We’d spoken a lot over the last year about marriage and kids.
We agreed that while we’d never allowed ourselves to consider being parents one day, it was no longer something we wanted to prevent happening.
Yet we’re both relishing having this carefree time together.
And if it isn’t in the cards for us, we’ll simply enjoy life however it unfolds.
But secretly, I think I’m more eager than I’d like to admit to watch our baby growing in her belly. And equally impatient for us to give a child the life they deserve with two parents who love them, and each other.
I spring from the bed, bound and determined to dote on my bride our last day here. “I’m getting coffee. Then maybe we can hit that little café around the corner before we check out and head back,” I toss over my shoulder as I pull on my pants.
Char sits up, wincing. Jeez. She really is sore.
“You need some ibuprofen?”
She giggles. “No. I think I’ll be okay. Just need to get moving. I think I’ll jump in the shower while you grab coffees.”
I’m a few steps from the door when I hear her call behind me.
“I love you!”
My chest is tight with the amount of pure adoration I feel for this woman. “I love you too!”
A month later, I’m in my study when I get a call from the family attorney. Having distanced myself from my father’s side of the family for so long, entertaining this call makes my shackles rise. Is my father trying to steamroll me into something related to the business again?
I’m still surprised he never reached out after we left the charity gala so abruptly. Max followed every lead he could and said there didn’t appear to be any connection to Geoffrey Markham and his minions. I’ve tried to simply walk away from that part of my life and move on.
“Mr. Newtown, I’m wondering if we could meet to discuss some paperwork I’ve come across.”
I can’t help but recoil at the conversation. Maybe if I can direct him to contact my attorney, he’ll leave me alone. Yet when I attempt to provide my lawyer’s contact information, he interrupts.
“If I may have just a few moments of your time, I want to ensure you understand the nature of the call. I’m not calling on behest of your father. This is regarding your grandparents.”
My spine stiffens in confusion. My grandparents have been dead for years. How is he calling on their behalf?
“This is a rather complicated situation that would best be discussed in person. Could I meet with you?”
There is still a feeling of unease, but I have to admit my curiosity is getting the best of me.
And I’ll never manage to wait and see if he gets in contact with my lawyer.
“Yes, of course. But I’m scheduled to work in the morning.
I’m about to start the most tiresome stretch of my rotation, where I’m on for twenty-four hours, then off for twenty-four hours, for the next six days.
I won’t be available to come to your office for another week. ”
“There’s absolutely no need to worry about that. This information is of the utmost importance. I can be in Sycamore Mountain this afternoon if that works for you.”